Now Playing

Security Staff Hurt As Prisoner Escapes

A custody officer was left unconscious after a prisoner made an escape during a hospital visit.

Anthony Ferrie, an inmate at Addiewell prison in West Lothian, remains at large after fleeing from the grounds of St John's Hospital in Livingston on Thursday lunchtime.

Private security firm G4S said one of its crew members - known as prison custody officers - was left unconscious while another suffered an arm injury during the incident at around 1pm.

Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Searches are under way for 33-year-old Ferrie, who has links to Bellshill, Motherwell and Grangemouth.

He is described as white, around 6ft, slim, and was wearing a blue sweater, jeans and trainers.

Members of the public have been advised not to approach him but to contact Police Scotland on 101.

Willie Galloway, head of operations for G4S custody transport in Scotland, said: "Two members of our crew were injured during the incident which left one unconscious and the other with an injury to their arm.

"While they both remain in hospital, their injuries do not at this stage appear to be life-threatening and we are supporting them and their families.

"We are assisting Police Scotland's inquiry to recapture this prisoner and are working with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to understand the events leading up to this escape.''

An SPS spokeswoman said: "We are aware that an individual has escaped from the custody of G4S while on a hospital escort and we are assisting Police Scotland to apprehend them.''